Machine for high speed weaving of chain link fence and process for making same

ABSTRACT

A machine for high speed weaving of chain link fence has high speed fingers mounted on a weaving tube and holds the loose half of a picket in a very firm grip during the start of the next incoming picket. The weaving tube mounted to the frame has two axis of adjustment. This weaving tube is equipped with coupled sets of arrayed solenoid/nozzles and proximity sensors. The array of nozzles are coupled, so the torque exerted by the effect of the jets acting on each looped extremity of the picket is exerted on the opposite sides of each loop, which gives a smooth and balanced transfer of torque to the picket. The processor controls the timing and the volume of the jets media issuing from the solenoid/nozzles. Manifolds on each half of the weaving tube supply pressurized media to the solenoid/nozzles.

This application is based on Provisional Application Ser. No.US60/736,257 Titled APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CHAIN LINK FENCING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of manufacturing cyclonefence material and more specifically to a machine for high speed weavingof chain link fence and process for making same.

Chain link fence also known as cyclone fence has been made on semiautomatic machines and automatic machines for over eighty years. Thesemachines have evolved and now in the present day in America BergandiMachine Company, California has set the standard.

While these machines have a loyal following, there are many ways thatthey can be improved.

The current operation of the Bergandi machines wastes a lot of timeduring the cutting and indexing cycle. The Bergandi machine, when makingnormal 2″ diamond fence×6 ft. wide fencing, cut index cycle time is 860ms per cycle and repeats this approximately 9,630 times in an 8-hourshift.

My invention, using the pneumatic powered high speed finger and thepneumatic powered cut and index takes 180 ms to perform the cut andindex cycle. Bergandi takes 860 ms to perform the cut index cycle. Thedifference=680 ms. 680 ms×9,630 cycles=1.819 hours less to complete thesame number of cycles resulting in approximately a 25% increase inproductivity.

With my invention, this 1.819 hours saved does not reflect theadditional advantage of almost zero downtime due to wire jamming.

My invention incorporates jetted compressed air through an array ofnozzles, which effectively eliminates friction and the lack of torquefrom the wire fed through the weaving tube.

Some of the problems of the prior technology are:

-   -   1. Extremely difficult to adjust. The average training time of a        machine setter is three years of continuous day-to-day        on-the-job learning.    -   2. The cutter, the index, and the edging devices are all driven        from a common shaft.    -   3. Fine adjustments between the timing of the cut and index are        not possible.    -   4. The machine maker claims that 1190 rpm is the maximum spindle        (weaving) speed.    -   5. The weaving picket impinges on each loop as it threads        (weaves) into the previous row which causes this picket to        become slightly distorted on each successive revolution because        the source of torque comes from the increasingly distant support        of the weaving blade.    -   6. To overcome this distortion, the skill of the machine setter,        in determining how much over-twist needs to be put into a blank        picket, is a critical factor in determining the spindle speed of        the machine in any given situation.        Once the machine is set and running at a stable speed,        increasing the spindle speed has the effect of making the        finished width narrower, and decreasing the spindle speed makes        the finished width wider (less effect from friction).    -   7. The index mechanism is easily put out of alignment.    -   8. Coolant management is very poor and spills of toxic coolant        are easily possible.    -   9. Operator safety is low. Manual controls can be operated with        one hand, leaving the other hand free to occupy hazardous areas.    -   10. No patents have been filed by this company for productivity        improvements for over 10 years.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a fast and easy anduser friendly and safe way to do the machine setup of chain link weavingmachines.

Another object of the invention is to give the operator a standard wayto set the machine for all widths of fence.

Another object of the invention is to make the manufacturing operationquicker than the prior art.

A further object of the invention is one way to make the operationquicker is to use the high speed finger.

Yet another object of the invention is to raise the weaving speedthreshold. That is the speed of the weaving spindle.

Another object of the invention is to enable the weaving of wider fencefabric than was possible before.

Another object of the invention is novel ability to manufacture wide(over 500 feet) fabric.

Yet another object of the invention is fabric can be woven on site tostabilize steep slopes and earth dams.

Still yet another object of the invention is wire as thin as 16 Awg cannow be woven reliably.

Another object of the invention is this ability to weave very thin wirewould be a major cost savings.

A further object of the invention is this novel invention would allowthe weaving of high strength plastic extrusions directly from theextruder.

Yet another object of the invention is where plastic monofilament fabricwould open new markets for corrosion resistant fabric.

Still yet another object of the invention is to weave chain linksubstantially larger than the standard 2″ diamond of the present day.

Another object of the invention is to have ability to weave 4″, 6″, 8″,10″ and larger size diamond.

Another object of the invention is to have the ability to weave any sizediamond from present day standard maximum to over 24″.

Yet another object of the invention is to meet present day ISO 9001quality standards with ease.

Still yet another object of the invention is to vastly reduce thequantity of scrap and waste during manufacturing and setup.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the quantity ofenvironmentally hazardous liquids during manufacture.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed a machine for high speed weaving of chain link fencecomprising: Pneumatic powered high speed fingers are mounted on theweaving tube and holds the loose half of the picket in a very firm gripduring the start of the next incoming picket, The processor controls thetiming of the extension and retracting of the high speed fingers, A pairof pneumatic slides are mounted to the machine frame with cutting bladesand bending forks for the rapid cutting of the finished picket, Apneumatic cylinder mounted to the frame actuates the indexing fingers, Aweaving tube mounted to the frame has two axis of adjustment. Thisweaving tube is equipped with coupled sets of arrayed solenoid/nozzlesand proximity sensors, The array of nozzles are coupled, so the torqueexerted by the effect of the jets acting on each looped extremity of thepicket is exerted on the opposite sides of each loop, which gives asmooth and balanced transfer of torque to the picket, The spindle iscoupled to the encoder sending precise angular information at everyinstant to the processor, The processor controls all functions on themachine. The processor is mounted in an enclosure. The control panelallows the operator to make all normal adjustments for operation. Thecontrol panel alerts the operator of any abnormal condition, The sensorsmounted on the weaving tube sense the precise angle of the picket andthis angular information is fed into the processor. The processorcontrols the timing and the volume of the jets media issuing from thesolenoid/nozzles, Manifolds on each half of the weaving tube supplypressurized media to the solenoid/nozzles, The solenoid control systemis synchronized to the speed of the spindle, and The weaving tube isprecisely made from solid low friction materials.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed a process for high speed weaving of chain link fencecomprising the steps of: Pneumatic powered high speed fingers aremounted on the weaving tube and holds the loose half of the picket in avery firm grip during the start of the next incoming picket, Theprocessor controls the timing of the extension and retracting of thehigh speed fingers, A pair of pneumatic slides are mounted to themachine frame with cutting blades and bending forks for the rapidcutting of the finished picket, A pneumatic cylinder mounted to theframe actuates the indexing fingers, A weaving tube mounted to the framehas two axis of adjustment. This weaving tube is equipped with coupledsets of arrayed solenoid/nozzles and proximity sensors, The array ofnozzles are coupled, so the torque exerted by the effect of the jetsacting on each looped extremity of the picket is exerted on the oppositesides of each loop, which gives a smooth and balanced transfer of torqueto the picket, The spindle is coupled to the encoder sending preciseangular information at every instant to the processor, The processorcontrols all functions on the machine. The processor is mounted in anenclosure. The control panel allows the operator to make all normaladjustments for operation. The control panel alerts the operator of anyabnormal condition, The sensors mounted on the weaving tube sense theprecise angle of the picket and this angular information is fed into theprocessor. The processor controls the timing and the volume of the jetsmedia issuing from the solenoid/nozzles, Manifolds on each half of theweaving tube supply pressurized media to the solenoid/nozzles, Thesolenoid control system is synchronized to the speed of the spindle, andThe weaving tube is precisely made from solid low friction materials.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the followingdescriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of thepresent invention is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention as seen from the rear orlooking toward the operation side of the machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention as seen from above fromthe operator's side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the prior art as seen from above fromthe operator's side.

FIG. 4 is a close up view of the invention from the operator's side.

FIG. 5 is a close up view of the weaving tube entrance.

FIG. 6 shows the same view as FIG. 5 shifted slightly to the left toshow the detail of the high speed finger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Various aspects of the invention may beinverted, or changed in reference to specific part shape and detail,part location, or part composition. Therefore, specific detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention as seen from the rear orlooking toward the operation side of the machine. The high speed finger101, enters slot 102 where it engages picket 103. The finger which ismounted on swivel 104, is fixed to pneumatic slide 105, and the fixedportion of the slide is mounted to the weaving tube 106. The weavingtube 106 is mounted to the frame by means of a two-axis adjustment. Thecutters 107 and 108 cut the picket when the spindle stops. The indexingfingers 116 hold the stationary picket 109.

The index mechanics 111-116 are of prior art and is shown forcompleteness of understanding. The index cylinder 111 is mounted to theframe and transmits thrust through clevis 112. The bearings 113 hold thepivot shaft 114, and adjustable clamps 115 hold adjustable index fingers116. Square bar 117 eliminates any twisting in the assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention as seen from above fromthe operator's side. Rear cutter slide 201 is fixed to the frame. Therear cutter blade mount 202, rear blade 203, rear bending fork 204 allmove together. The front bending fork 206, front cutter blade 207, frontblade mount 208 move together. The front slide 209 is fixed to theframe. Both cutter slides have built-in hydraulic shock absorbers 210.The view further shows the position of the high speed finger 211. Theslide 212 is mounted to the weaving tube. The index cylinder 213 movesthe index fingers 214 and 215. The index fingers 214 and 215 hold thestationary picket 205.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the prior art as seen from above fromthe operator's side. Cutter slide 305 and 306 are mechanically driven bya crank. FIG. 3 shows the cutters 303 and 304 in the open position. Thecutters 303 and 304 and bending forks 301 and 302 are mounted on theslides 305 and 306. Low speed finger 307 is mounted on spring-loadedpivot 312. Its path is controlled by cam 308 riding on adjustable guide311. The front hinged half of the weaving tube 309 and the rear half ofthe weaving tube 310 are shown holding stationary picket 313.

FIG. 4 is a close up view of the invention from the operator's side. Theweaving tube 401 shows the helical path that the picket 412 travels onthe inside of the weaving tube while it weaves into the loose half ofthe stationary picket 413. When the picket loops of 412 pass the arrayassociated with solenoid/nozzles 402, 403, 404 the picket is givenimpetus from the ejected media. The proximity sensors 405 and 406 sensesits position and passes this angular information to the processor. Thepicket loop is then pushed around to solenoid/nozzle 407, 408, 409 bymeans of high pressure media being ejected through solenoid/nozzle 402,403, and 404. Then the processor turns on the array associated withsolenoid/nozzles 407, 408, and 409 and proximity sensors pick up thepositional information of the picket. Solenoid/nozzle 402, 403, and 404switch off, then the process repeats continuously around thecircumference of the weaving tube until the picket is at itspredetermined length.

FIG. 5 is a close up view of the weaving tube entrance. The manifold 501(red end) and manifold 507 (red end) feed the solenoid/nozzle unitsarrays (502 and 508). These two arrays start ejecting pressurized mediato simultaneously to supply torque to the picket. After the picketrevolves 60 degrees in the weaving tube, the next pair of arrayednozzles (504 and 510) line up and they start ejecting pressurized media,propelling the picket to the next array (506 and 512), and so on.

The manifold 501, supplies array 502, which is electrically coupled toarray 508 and then manifold 507 supplies pressurized media to array 508.The manifold 503, supplies array 504, which is electrically coupled toarray 510 and then manifold 509 supplies pressurized media to array 510.The manifold 505, supplies array 506, which is electrically coupled toarray 512 and then manifold 511 supplies pressurized media to array 512.Only one pair of coupled arrays eject pressurized media at any giventime throughout the process.

FIG. 6 shows the same view as FIG. 5 shifted slightly to the left toshow the detail of the high speed finger. The front half of the weavingtube 601, is off set from the rear half 602, slightly at the hinge sothe picket revolving in the tube will not catch on the join. This slot603 is the drain for weaving coolant, and helps relieve the internalpressure from the nozzles. The front half of the weaving tube is hingedat the slot 603, and opens to allow blank pickets to be removed duringsetup. This is a clear view of the high speed finger 605 engaging thethird loop in the loose half of the picket 606. The pneumatic slide 607provides motion through the pivot 608. A spring attached to 609 providesadjustable down force for the high speed finger 605 to firmly grip theloose half of the picket through the first two revolutions of theweaving process. The high speed finger then retracts to clear the pathof the incoming picket. The loose half is now stabilized by the weavingprocess. 610 is the adjustable down stop for the high speed finger.

Describing what is the old method of chain link manufacturing, refer toFIG. 3 where we see the general layout of the cutting and holding of theloose half of the picket. FIG. 3 shows the cutters 303 and 304 in theopen position. The cutters 303 and 304 and bending forks 301 and 302 aremounted on the slides 305 and 306. The slides are mechanically operated.When the cutters are closed, the tip of the low speed finger 307 engagesin the loose half of the picket 313. During the index cycle, the tip ofthe finger 307 engages momentarily and is extremely difficult to adjustbecause of the very short period of time that it holds picket 313 beforeretracting, due to the fact that it is mounted on the slide 305. Theproblems associated with the finger 307 are as follows: If not adjustedcorrectly, it can cause the loose half of the picket to flip over a halfor a full revolution which causes edge flaws and/or a wire jam.Adjusting the cam 311 and the spring tension in the pivot 312 on the cam308 takes a very high level of expertise. Correct adjustments can takemany minutes to do and many blank pickets are scrapped during thisprocess. Improper adjustments lead to wire jams and/or edge defects. Thewire jam sensor has a latent defect in that it senses a jam and stopsthe weaving blade only after 6-12 feet of wire have been forced into a 1foot ball of twisted and compacted steel, which has to be cut throughand cleared by the operator. Clearing wire jams takes approximately 5-10minutes. Cumulatively, this defect is responsible for hours of lostproduction and much scrapped material.

Further describing the operation of what is old, the cutters mounted onthe slides are mechanically operated by a common shaft. The shaft hascams that drive the cutter, the index mechanism, and the edging tools.The timing relationship between these functions is fixed and has beenfixed to enable the thickest and most difficult size of wire specifiedto be woven by that particular machine. The fixed timing relationshipbetween the function of cutting and indexing and the fact that the lowspeed finger 307 is mounted on the slide 305 contribute to lost time.The average time taken to cut and index is 850 milliseconds per picketwoven.

The inside of the weaving tube 309 (hinged front half) and 310 (rearhalf) is smooth and serves only to guide the picket being woven. Theweaving tube is hinged to allow the operator to remove blank pickets runinto the tube during setup. Running blank pickets into the weaving tubeallows the operator to adjust the over-twist needed. Over-twist isneeded to counteract the successive reduction of twist and length due tofriction (untwisting), so when the picket is woven into the fence, thepicket is at a neutral plane and at the correct length. The operator atset up runs a picket into the tube at the set speed without engaging inany previous picket. He then uses his experience to gauge how muchover-twist and over-length is required. For every slight adjustment, ablank picket is scrapped. Before each setup and after each wire jam,blank pickets need to be made resulting in much scrap metal. In a normalwork day, many jams occur. Due to the fact that set up is verydifficult, manufacturers tend to over produce when the machines arerunning smoothly, which results in increased inventory and the costsassociated with the excess inventory.

The maximum weaving speed claimed today is approximately 1,190 rpm andthe maximum width is 25 feet (reference Bergandi Machinery Company,California). To avoid frequent wire jams, the typical maximum operatingspeed is 950 rpm, and in many cases weaving speeds of 700 rpm areregularly used to ensure consistent production. Even at the lowerspeeds, wire jams are inevitable.

Here is what is new. The cutters are mounted to a pair of pneumaticslides that are mounted to the frame of the machine with cutting bladesand bending forks for rapid cutting of the finished picket. A pneumaticcylinder mounted to the frame actuates the indexing fingers. The weavingtube is mounted to the frame with two axis of adjustment. This weavingtube is equipped with coupled sets of arrayed solenoid/nozzles andproximity sensors. The array of solenoid/nozzles are coupled, FIG. 5 502and 508, 504 and 510, and 506 and 512, so the torque exerted by theeffect of the jets on each looped extremity of the picket is exerted onthe opposite sides of each loop, which gives a smooth and balancedtransfer of torque to the picket. Alternatively, a high speed digitalcamera or laser sensors aimed at the end of the weaving tube may replacethe proximity sensors. The cutters, the high speed finger, and the indexmechanism are all pneumatically powered and the operator can finely tunethe timing relationships between these three actions on the controlpanel. The high speed finger has been removed from the slide FIG. 3, 305and placed in its new position on the pneumatic slide, FIG. 1 105.

Referring to FIG. 1, the pneumatic powered high speed finger 101 entersthe rear half of the weaving tube 106 through slot 102 and engages theloose half of the picket on the third loop 103. The high speed fingerholds the loose half of the picket in a very firm grip during the startof the next incoming picket 103 completes 2 full revolutions in thecompleted picket 109. At this point, the processor signals for theinstant retraction of the high speed finger to clear the path for theincoming picket. The loose half of the picket at this point is heldstable by the first 2 full revolutions woven, and this innovation hasproven to eliminate the loose half of the picket flipping. Wire jams dueto high speed finger malfunction, by experience, did not occur in 7 daysof continuous 8 hours a day production. The average time taken to cutand index with the high speed finger FIG. 1 101 is 180 milliseconds perpicket woven. The time saved with the machine equipped as describedabove enabled an extra 1,000 feet of 6 foot wire to be manufactured inan 8-hour shift resulting in virtually no scrap material.

Because over-twist is needed to counteract the successive reduction oftwist and length due to friction (untwisting), what is old haslimitations of speed and maximum width that can be manufactured (950 rpmand 25 feet, respectively). This invention eliminates and counteractsthe inherent friction experienced in the weaving process. The previouslimitations of speed have been raised to 2,000 rpm and the previouslimitation of width has yet to be determined. (It is envisioned thatwidths of 1,000 feet are possible.)

How this innovation works is described as follows: In the preferredmethod, compressed air is led into manifolds which feed an array ofcoupled solenoid/nozzles which blow timed pulses of compressed air ontothe loops of the picket in motion in phased sequence. Only one pair ofcoupled arrays eject pressurized media at any given time throughout theprocess. These pulses of compressed air supply the exact amount oftorque required to counteract the inherent friction that occurs as thepicket travels through the weaving tube and the loops of the stationarypicket. This arrangement allows for speeds of weaving over 2,000 rpm.This high speed would result in more than doubling present dayproduction output. In addition, wire jams would virtually be eliminated.Because adjustments for over-twist and over-length would not benecessary, machine setting would be greatly simplified. Alternatively,in place of compressed air, any media, gaseous or liquid or steam may beused to supply torque to the picket being woven. In addition, an arrayof magnets may be used to pull the picket in its helical path throughthe weaving tube.

Referring to FIG. 4, manifolds 408 and 409 feed solenoid/nozzles 402 and403, which supply torque to picket 410 which weaves through tube 401 andengages in stationary picket 411. The proximity sensors 406 and 407 aremounted on the weaving tube 401 sense the precise angle of rotation ofpicket 410 and transmits this angular information to the centralprocessor. In the block diagram, FIG. 7, the central processor 701, getsinformation from spindle encoder 702 mounted on the weaving blade. Theprocessor mounted in an enclosure compares the angular information fromthe encoder 702 to the angular information from the sensor array 703 andadjusts the output and the timing to the solenoid/nozzle array 704 whichcontrols the timing and the volume of the jets of media issuing from thesolenoid/nozzles. This control loop ensures 2 things: 1) it keeps thepicket in perfect synchronization with the weaving blade, and 2) itshuts down the spindle drive instantly and alerts the operator via thecontrol panel of any abnormal condition, for example where the jam islocated. This feature eliminates the 6-12 foot ball of wire that wouldnormally accumulate with a wire jam at the weaving tube entrance. Thenet result would be wire jams consisting of only 2-3 inches of scrapwire, saving operator time and material cost.

Alternatively, many nozzles may be supplied by one solenoid in the arraysystem. Alternatively, many nozzles may be triggered pneumatically.Alternatively, valve/nozzles may be pneumatically operated.Alternatively, valve/nozzles may be motorized in synchronization withthe weaving speed. Alternatively, valve/nozzles may be hydraulicallyoperated. Alternatively the pneumatic powered indexer, electric motors,hydraulic cylinders, electromechanical devices or any other means ofpower to achieve the end result may power cutter and high speed finger.

The frame is built on almost the same lines as what are commonlyavailable from local manufacturers. The innovations are the items in thedrawings as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Two pneumatic slides areoff the shelf items to which are bolted the cutter holders and thebending forks.

The weaving tube is machined from solid low friction material, and mustbe perfectly round in the weaving section. Arrays of precisely angledholes are drilled to coincide exactly with the helical path the picketloops take for each particular size of fabric to be woven. The arrays ofsolenoid/nozzles may be arranged in two pole, four pole, six pole, eightpole, or any number of poles, space permitting, depending on thediameter of the weaving tube. In the preferred embodiment of 2″ diamondfabric, three coupled arrays of solenoid/nozzles and three arrays ofproximity sensors would be used. Then the proximity sensors areinstalled as per FIG. 4. Note: sensors are installed on one half of thetube—front is preferred. In the case where 4″ diamonds are required theweaving tube would have six coupled arrays. In the preferred embodiment,the distance from the nozzle to the loop of the picket should beapproximately 1″ before the next array of nozzles apply torque.Compressed air is the preferred embodiment for the type of media ejectedfrom the nozzles. Steam has certain applications, as does high pressurewater. Each type of media has benefits and drawbacks. Clearly whenliquid is used, environmental issues follow. After deciding on the typeof media to be ejected form the nozzles, the correct plumbing isinstalled and pressure source chosen. Plumb all the arrays and wire upthe solenoids to the controller.

The servo driven for the spindle would be more powerful than prior artto enable high acceleration and braking. The tools for performing theedges need to be changed to enable this increase in performance.

The control program is of normal common PLC processor variety as are allcomponents such as nozzles, nozzle—solenoid combinations, pipe fittings,air cylinders and hydraulic dampers are all off-the-shelf items. Specialitems are the weaving blade replacing the prior art. This needs to bemade from ultra-hard steel with as much stiffness as possible. This itemis not adjustable as in the prior art. This is one more advantage—notedious adding or subtracting twist to the weaving blade in the machinesetting process.

The preferred method of powering the finger is pneumatic. It may bepowered by any other known method to produce the same result.

The preferred position of the finger is on the third loop of the picketmeasured from the spindle but may be in any loop in the picket.

The finger in very wide machines may have more than one and may have asmany as fifty fingers.

In the system of nozzles, the preferred media is compressed air but mayinclude any gas or any liquid at any temperature, including steam.

In the system of nozzles, the shape of the ejected spray is to includeany pattern.

In the system of nozzles, the angle of the nozzle relative to thehelical path of the wire being woven may be adjusted on the fly as needbe.

The nozzles may have the ability to be strictly on-off, or to have theability to modulate the flow from zero to full on in a very fast manner.

The control system switching the nozzles and the resulting ejecta maymodulate the volume of ejecta and period of ejecta as need be.

The control system receives a feedback signal from sensors mounted onthe weaving tube or from a camera or from an array of laser sensorsmeasuring the angle of the picket relative to the spindle.

The difference in the amount of angular deviation between the picket andthe spindle is measured, and this difference is fed back to the controlloop.

The nozzles power the picket and the picket is kept in perfectsynchronization with the spindle by modulating the pressure or the timeor the volume of delivery through the solenoids.

The diameter of the weaving tube may be adjustable.

The arrays of nozzles may be arranged in two pole, four pole, six pole,eight pole, or any number of poles—space permitting.

The arrays of nozzles may be replaced with electromagnets that would bemounted in a non-magnetic weaving tube.

The electromagnets would be arranged to pull the outermost loops of thesteel picket and provide the required torque to the picket.

Where liquid media is used, a collection system using vacuum to recyclethe liquid may be used.

The weaving tube may be ventilated in the most advantageous manner toenable the pressure in the weaving tube to be as low as possible.

The weaving tube may have a system of forced extraction of jetted media

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

1. A machine for high speed weaving of chain link fence comprises: highspeed fingers mounted on a weaving tube to hold the loose half of apicket in a firm grip during the start of the next incoming picket; aweaving tube mounted to the frame has two axis of adjustment; theweaving tube is equipped with coupled sets of arrayed solenoid/nozzlesand proximity sensors; the array of nozzles are coupled, so the torqueexerted by the effect of the jets acting on each looped extremity of thepicket is exerted on the opposite sides of each loop, which gives asmooth and balanced transfer of torque to the picket; a processorcontrols the timing and the volume of the jets media issuing from thesolenoid/nozzles; and manifolds on each half of the weaving tube supplypressurized media to the solenoid/nozzles.